Guests Are Coming Soon! Let’s Clean Up That Space For Them.

It’s that time of year. Walmart looks like the North Pole exploded. Target is wishing you a Merry Christmas. Lights are going up all over this great land, and small town downtowns are wearing their Sunday best. The world feels right again, and the family is about to start heading into town to stay for a while. 

But here’s the deal: your house might be a little bit cluttered. We get it. After a few years, stuff starts to add up. When Auntie Wendy and her tribe are coming over from Christmas through New Year’s, where are you going to put your stuff?

1. Why Prepare Your Spare Room Now?

Well, like it or not, the holidays are upon us. You still have another month for Christmas and Hanukkah (remember, Hanukkah starts on Christmas Day this year), and about five weeks until New Year’s. But you know as well as I do that those weeks will go by in a flash.  

And let’s face it: you want to put your best foot forward when you have guests over. A neat and tidy space free from clutter. 

2. Assess Your Current Clutter Situation

The second step is one of the toughest: taking a look around at what you’ve got going on. How much clutter is there to take care of? Is it something you can take care of with the present storage at hand, or do you need a little extra help with a self-storage unit. 

No shame in that. A self-storage is the best way to reduce clutter when you prepare for guests. Of course, you can use it for a lot more than just overflow. Why not keep your Christmas decorations in there? That’s a great place to keep your stuff. And you will be surprised at just how much you can keep in a storage unit. Our smallest units are 8×10 and are adequate for a 1-bedroom house or apartment. So if you are using one of these for holiday storage, you probably have room for some additional stuff. Checkmate, clutter.   

3. Use Smart Holiday Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Make a list. It can be pen and paper, the Notes app, or whatever you want. Write down exactly what needs to stay, what you have that are maybes, and then what needs to go. 

Once you know what you need to keep and what needs to go in storage, you will be much better prepared to do what needs to be done. 

Once you know what needs to go, you can plan out how to maximize not only space but time. When items going into storage are organized, you know exactly where they are, what they are in, and most of all, you optimize the storage space to fit the most clutter possible. 

4. Invest in Holiday Storage Solutions

The first major investment you need to make for storage is a self-storage unit. It is the most affordable way to get stuff moved out of your living space and make room for what you want and need. 

Figure out the size you need (we offer 8×10, 8×20, and 8×40 self-storage units) and rent one. 

Next, you need storage solutions to maximize space. The most common are large plastic tubs by Rubbermaid or Sterilite. Other good solutions are cardboard boxes and large storage bags, but it really depends on what you are storing. If it is a lot of breakables, you should consider tubs and wrapping your items in bubble wrap and brown paper. I do suggest tubs over cardboard because you might decide to do this every year so why re-buy boxes? Just buy the tubs once and they will last for years. 

5. Store Your Holiday Decorations the Right Way

This is important. Storing your holiday decor properly will save you so much time and frustration down the line. 

We suggest you go to the local big box store (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, etc) and shop for holiday decoration-specific storage items. You can get tubs for just about everything you can imagine like ornament-specific tubs to keep breakables from breaking. 

Also, these storage solutions are usually made to be stackable so you can optimize space in your self-storage unit. 

6. Create a Guest-Ready Room

You want to put your best foot forward when Uncle Clark and Aunt Fern come over to share in the YuleTide traditions. That looks a lot like having the room set up with open space, which is kind of hard if you have been using that room for storage. 

No worries. 

My Storage Box is the solution you need. An 8×10 storage unit is usually enough to take care of a single-bedroom house, so it should be ample for a spare room or two (plus whatever else you want to put in there).

7. The Benefits of Decluttering Before the Holidays

Here’s an easy one: declutter before the holidays so you aren’t spending them stressed out over the clutter. You already know that there’s going to be more toys, more boxes, more clutter after Christmas gifts are opened. If you’ve got young children like I do, you know it is about to get real messy in your house no matter how much you try to mitigate it. Stay ahead of the 8-ball and declutter that house beforehand so you don’t have to worry about it. 

And let’s face it: the easiest and fastest way to declutter your home, or even just spare rooms, is to take that extra stuff somewhere else. Not your garage, not your storage shed, but a storage unit. Pack up your stuff, bring it over, and lock it up.

8. Wrap-Up: Start Now and Stay Ahead of the Holidays

You don’t have to overcomplicate anything. You have just a few days now to get things in order for visiting family members. Or maybe you know that holiday chaos is coming and you want to mitigate it by getting your house as tidy and uncluttered as humanly possible. Whatever the case, we can help. Check out our storage units available in the Ponca City area and see which one works the best for you!

Choosing the Best Cylinder Locks: Our Best Tips for Self-Storage Security

Most days when we wake up to tackle the day, we aren’t thinking about self storage cylinder locks. At least I don’t. It’s not personal; it’s just not the first thing on my mind. But what is on my mind, or at least the back of my mind, is that I have a lock on my storage unit and the key on my keychain. It might be a self storage cylinder lock or a padlock depending on the unit or units in question. But I have the doors locked tight and my stuff is secure, and that’s about as much as any of us ever think about cylinder locks or the padlock on our self storage unit.

But it’s never a bad idea to get to know the things that keep your stuff safe and secure a little better.

Understanding Cylinder Locks

Our focus today is cylinder locks. Are they exciting? Not particularly. But you know what gets the blood pumping? Calling the cops because somebody broke into your self storage unit and stole your stuff. But that isn’t the kind of excitement any of us really wants.

Cylinder locks are a little different than a padlock in terms of operation. The cylinder style of lock is one that instead of going through a clasp on the door works through a series of internal pins that engage and disengage the lock. It is similar in function to the ignition switch on your car and it is doing more or less the same thing: preventing an unwanted “guest” from accessing it.

Key Features of a Secure Cylinder Lock

A well-made cylinder lock is made in such a way that picking it is difficult. One reason they are so popular is that you cannot cut them like you can a padlock because there is no external loop; the whole locking mechanism is in a cartridge that is slipped into the door. 

• High-security features, such as internal security pins and precise manufacturing, make cylinder locks difficult to pick.
• Cylinder locks are made with durable materials, such as chrome and stainless steel, to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• They have a secure locking mechanism that prevents tampering and unauthorized access.
• Cylinder locks are designed to fit tightly into the door, eliminating any raised areas that can be tampered with.
• They come with a variety of key options, including numbered keys and master keys.

Now, the thing about cylinder locks is that they are exclusive to traditional storage units. My Storage Box does not use these; instead, we use shipping containers which are much, much stronger. These are built to resist hijacking and tampering on ships, on ports, and on trains and trucks. They are tough, durable, and provide the highest level of security you can get in self-storage. 

Choosing the Right Cylinder Lock for Your Self Storage Unit

When choosing a cylinder lock for your self storage unit, it’s important to consider the size of your storage unit and the type of door it has. Ensure that the cylinder lock is compatible with your storage unit’s door and locking mechanism. Assess the level of security you need and select a cylinder lock that meets those requirements. It’s also beneficial to check the reviews and ratings of different cylinder locks to find the most suitable one for your needs. Lastly, consider the price and value of the cylinder lock, and choose one that fits within your budget.

Maximizing Security with Cylinder Locks

To maximize security with cylinder locks on your self storage unit, it’s crucial to choose a lock with a robust locking mechanism and internal security pins designed to prevent tampering and unauthorized access. The integrity of your keys is equally important; always keep them in a secure place, and consider using a lock that features a numbered key or a master key for added peace of mind. Opt for cylinder locks made from durable materials such as chrome or stainless steel. These materials are not only resistant to harsh weather conditions but also enhance the lock’s overall durability and security.

For added convenience and security, consider purchasing a twin pack or keyed alike cylinder locks. This option allows you to use the same key for multiple locks, reducing the number of keys you need to manage and providing a streamlined approach to securing your storage units. Regular inspection and maintenance of your cylinder lock are essential to ensure it remains secure and functional. By routinely checking for signs of wear and tear and addressing any issues promptly, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your lock and maintain its effectiveness in protecting your belongings.

Are Padlocks Better?

Padlocks are a great lock option, and some of them are almost impervious to tampering. But they are not interchangeable; cylinder locks are built for only one specific purpose, and they are used in storage units that are nowhere near as durable as the units we offer. A padlock is somewhat vulnerable to metal cutting wheels, but that’s about it.  

My Storage Box is Better

We are just going to come out and say it: shipping containers are the best thing you can keep your belongings in, and that’s why we use them. They are water-tight (after all, they do ship across the oceans), extremely strong, and they lock as tight and securely as anything in the world. 

My Storage Box is your go-to storage in the Ponca City area, and we are expanding! Make sure to check back often to see where our next facilities are!

How to Store Clothes for Long Term: 10 Expert Tips

No matter how hard you try, it always feels like there’s never enough storage space in your home. That’s why seasonal packing is such a smart solution. But do you know the best way to store your clothes for the long term?

By rotating your wardrobe each season, you not only free up your living space but also reduce the overwhelming clutter of unnecessary clothing choices.

Let’s be real, a well-organized closet can make getting dressed so much easier. So, today we’re sharing our expert tips for preparing clothes for long-term storage and ensuring they stay in neat condition. 

1. Evaluate and Sort Your Wardrobe for Storage

First things first, before you start packing things away, take a moment to do a quick wardrobe refresh. Yes, it’s a tedious task, but trust us, it’s worth your while.

Go through your clothes one by one and think about their condition, fit, and how often you really wear it. Because let’s face it, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing at all during the past three years, will you ever really wear it? So sort and toss.

The less you store, the better you’ll preserve the items you really love and actually wear.

Donating, reselling, or gifting clothes you no longer need will free up space for the pieces you truly want to keep and protect

2. Wash Everything Before Storing

Before packing away your clothes for the season, make sure to give everything a good wash and dry. This helps prevent any unwanted mold or mildew from forming while they’re stored away. 

If you’ve got any damaged items, take the time to mend them now—it’ll save you from bigger headaches later on. Don’t forget to tackle any stains now too because you don’t want them setting in while the clothes are packed away. You might even want to use a cleaning product specifically designed for storing clothes to keep everything fresh.

It’ll make all the difference when you pull them out next season!

3. Keep Your Clothes Dry

Aside from washing and cleaning, the most important step to remember is ensuring everything is completely dry before you store it away. Any lingering moisture can lead to mold, mildew, or even musty odors, all of which can seriously damage your clothes. 

Take the time to properly dry your clothes either by blow drying it or using a tumble dryer. It will help keep everything in proper shape and ready for the next year.

4. Polish Boots and Shoes

Let’s not forget about shoes, especially boots! They can be tricky to store since they often take up more space and need a little extra care and attention.

To keep them looking their best, make sure to clean and polish them before packing them away. For leather boots, rubbing in some oil will help keep the material supple, but remember to store them separately from your other clothes to avoid any stains or marks.

Another pro hack: stuff them with clean tissue paper to keep their original shape and make them last longer for you. 

5. Choose the Best Storage Containers

Here’s one step you definitely shouldn’t skip—choosing the right storage containers. It can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your clothes in good condition. 

Start with plastic containers or bins to keep everything clean, dry, and dust-free. For more delicate pieces like woolens and silk, breathable garment bags or cloth storage bags are perfect because they’ll keep them fresh and allow them to breathe.

It’s important to choose containers that suit the type of clothing you’re storing, so take a moment to select the right one rather than just grabbing whatever’s nearby.

And for long-term storage, avoid using cardboard boxes or plastic bags as they can trap moisture. If space is tight, vacuum-sealed bags are a lifesaver, shrinking your clothes down while keeping them in tip-top shape. It’s amazing how much extra room you’ll have.

6. Consider Renting a Storage Unit

If your home feels cramped, renting a storage unit can help you declutter and stay organized. It’s an excellent option for long-term storage—it offers a safe, dedicated space where you can store clothing items you don’t use every day while freeing up room at home.

Plus, many storage units offer climate control, which is a bonus for preserving delicate fabrics and preventing moisture damage.

Some even give you 24/7 access so you can grab what you need whenever you want.

And remember, the same care applies whether you’re storing clothes off-site or at home: always ensure your items are clean, dry, and packed properly to prevent damage.

7. Pack Them Properly for Long Term Storage

When packing your clothes for long-term storage, it’s important to be both organized and thoughtful about how you do it. 

Start by packing things in a logical order so that everything is easy to find and access when you need it.

Avoid using plastic bags for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture and cause damage—packing paper or tissue paper is a much better option. It helps separate garments and prevent creasing.

8. Avoid Hard Fold Lines or Creases

If you want to prevent creasing and damage, place garments in a storage box without sharp folds. 

Separate items with tissue paper or cotton sheets to keep them in the best shape. This not only helps prevent creases but also keeps delicate fabrics safe. 

When possible, hang clothes that can be safely suspended, like coats or suits, to maintain their form. For garments that need to be folded, consider rolling them gently instead of folding them tightly to prevent damage. 

9. Avoid Wire Hangers

When storing clothes for the long-term, avoid wire hangers—they may seem convenient but they can cause permanent dents and stretching, especially in heavier items. 

Instead, opt for sturdy plastic or wooden hangers for better support. For your delicate items like dresses or coats, choose padded hangers to prevent any fabric damage. 

It’s simple: using the right hangers helps preserve the shape and condition of your clothes so they’ll look as good as new when you’re ready to wear them again.

10. Refold Your Clothes Every Few Years

If you don’t rotate your wardrobe seasonally, make it a habit to visit your storage unit every one to two years to refold your clothes. This prevents permanent creasing and gives you the chance to inspect their condition. 

Regular check-ins allow you to spot potential issues—such as pests, water damage, or stains— before they become serious problems. 

By staying on top of things, you ensure your clothes remain in good shape for longer.

Your Clothes, Safe and Sound at My Storage Box

And there you have it! With a little planning and care, storing your clothes for the long term can be easy and stress-free.

Whether you’re packing them away for the season or just need extra space, these expert tips will help you keep them in top condition.

If you’re looking for a secure, easy, and accessible storage unit, My Storage Box offers a facility with 24/7 access, gated entry, and video surveillance.

Renting your unit is straightforward with online booking, and you can enjoy automatic payments with no deposit or move-in fees. Whether you need extra space for seasonal clothing or want to store clothes long term, My Storage Box ensures your items are safely stored in a clean, well-maintained environment. Visit My Storage Box for hassle-free storage solutions.